Benefits

Personalized Assistance

RSVP staff will work with you to identify a volunteer opportunity that will meet your individual interests. We will match your skills, interests, schedule and geographic availability with a volunteer position that is right for you or create a volunteer position for you. We will continue to be available to provide ongoing information and support as your volunteer needs evolve.

Be a Part of a National Movement

Active adults 55 years of age and older are giving thousands of hours daily to positively impact the communities they live in. Your hours will be counted with those of your peers to demonstrate to policy makers and the community the impact of age 55+ volunteerism on a local and national level. Help send the message that RSVP members are making meaningful contributions, solving problems and bringing our communities together.

WestArk RSVP Newsletter

The WestArk RSVP newsletter will inform you about issues affecting volunteers and provide updates on volunteer needs in our community.

Recognition Events

Every year in early December, WestArk RSVP members and the community are invited to a Holiday Open House held at the RSVP Center in Fort Smith and the RSVP Office in Rogers. These events are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow RSVP members and offer RSVP staff an opportunity to honor you and the work that you do. In August of each year, WestArk RSVP members for whom 60 hours of volunteer service have been reported are invited to a “Breakfast of Champions.

Health Benefits of Volunteering

Increase in self-esteem

Lowered blood pressure

Protection against social isolation

Reduction in the impact of stress

Strengthening of the immune system: A 1999 study by the University of Michigan identified health benefits to individuals who volunteered just one hour per week. The study demonstrates that "people live longer because they volunteer, rather than people volunteer because they're healthier and hence more likely to live longer."

Supplemental Insurance

As an RSVP member, you will be covered by supplemental insurance when you volunteer. The volunteer insurance program includes three coverages: accident insurance, excess liability insurance, and excess auto liability insurance.

Travel Reimbursements

Generally no travel reimbursement is available for RSVP members. However, WestArk RSVP can occasionally provide a travel stipend for members involved in some of the RSVP Community Outreach efforts if funding is made available from outside funding sources, such as grants.

Curious to learn more about our benefits? Give us a call at 479-783-4155 in Fort Smith, or 479-636-0578 in Rogers. We look forward to hearing from you!